Dicky Christanto, Jakarta – Following the police violence against journalists covering yesterday's public rallies, Indonesia Police Watch (IPW) executive director Neta S Pane said that journalists should lodge a complaint with National Police chief Gen. Timur Pradopo.

"The journalists should file a complaint. The National Police chief should be held responsible for what his subordinates have done. These police personnel have clearly violated the Press Law, which guarantees the full protection for journalist when carrying journalistic duties," Neta told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

He said the National Police chief should reassess personnel performance, and if necessary, take disciplinary measures against Central Jakarta Police chief as field commander.

Lawmaker Teguh Juwarno said the National Police chief owed the House of Representatives an explanation over what had happened between the police and journalists.

"Firm measures should be taken. Those who are responsible for this should be punished," Teguh, former TV journalist himself, said as quoted by kompas.com.

Several journalists were beaten by police personnel during the yesterday's mass rally that turned chaotic in Gambir, Central Jakarta.